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Packers Podcast: More Love for Washington State S Deone Bucannon

On Thursday morning, I joined Mike Wickett of Sports Radio 1250 WSSP in Milwaukee to discuss the upcoming NFL Draft. As usual, I didn't pass up the opportunity to sing the praises of Washington State safety Deone Buccannon, who I consider to be the top-rated safety in this year's draft class. We also discuss Wisconsin linebacker Chris Borland, Ohio State linebacker Ryan Shazier, North Carolina tight end Eric Ebron and much, much more.

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There has been much discussion regarding the cover skills of Deone Bucannon. I think it's important to take into consideration this evaluation from professional.scout.com:
“As impressive as Bucannon’s dominance in run support has been, he is also highly effective in shutting down the passing game. He currently is tied for the national lead among active players with 14 interceptions, tied for third in WSU annals. With the man coverage skills one would expect from a cornerback, and not a safety, he has been a terror in press coverage. Among the 297 passes targeted into his area during his career, he has jammed and/or rerouted his opponents away from 118 of those tosses (39.73%), coupled with recording 14 thefts while deflecting 14 other throws.

Opposing quarterbacks know they need to account for Bucannon every time he steps on to the field. They have managed to complete just 77 of those 297 targeted passes (25.93%) vs. the strong safety, producing only one touchdown, as he limited his assignments to averages of 9.52 yards per completion and a miniscule 2.47 yards per attempt”

I've heard Pryor, C-Dix and even Ward (NIU) as prospects for Safety. None of them has been as impressive as Bucannon on film. He's a violent tackler. The Packers could use someone who intimidates other teams.

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